2.0 Sport 5sp 5dr

My car

I had this car for a weekend-long test drive, and I was impressed with the overall package.

It is great value for money (the equivelent Golf would cost 2k more), well screwed together, and is very practical.

It is a good-looking car, more so in "Winning Blue" - had people in the Tesco's car-park asking what it was!?!?!.

The ride is a bit firm, but it does ride on 17's, and I suppose that could be part of the whole "Sport" experience.

There is only one reason why I may not be buying this car, and that is down to the 2.0 engine being too vocal, if pushed beyond 2000rpms.

The engine note is not a great one at all, it sounds a tad too harsh for my (and the family's) liking - esp as the current car (VW Bora 1.8T) rides better, and has greater all-round refinement.

Overall, it is a impressive package and would be a good buy for someone who values looks, practicality, and good value for money over overall comfort and refinment.

2.0 Sport 5sp 5dr

graham ward
,
notts
.
Date:
26/02/2005

Overall verdict

5
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

4
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

5
out of 5 stars

My car

Fabulous looks. Still that rare after over a year that people ask me what it is!! Solid as a rock and quick enough. Unbelievable group 8 insurance.

Tyre noise and trip computer in litres are the only niggles.

Auto air-con superb also 6 CD player in dash. It turns heads regularly. I have owned many new cars... this is the one!!

1.6 TS 5dr

Kay Angell
,
Surrey
.
Date:
04/01/2005

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

4
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

5
out of 5 stars

My car

I have owned my Mazda 3 TS 1.6 since March 2004 and have clocked up over 8000 trouble-free miles. I find it lovely to drive and really comfortable. Also love the appearance with the optional rear spoiler added. My only criticism is that the brakes are rather sharp, but they certainly work well. I don't think there is another hatchback to match it for space and quality.

2.0 Sport 5sp 5dr

Duncan Taylor
,
Hampshire
.
Date:
20/12/2004

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

I purchased my sport six months ago. It was five months old, had 5,000 miles on the clock, having been the service manager's car in a dealership.

Since then, I have added 10,000 very enjoyable miles to it. The comfort in the car is superb. Being 6'2", comfort is of great importance. With the tilt/adjusting steering wheel, lumbar support, etc, it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. Four adults cad travel in very good comfort in the car.

The performance, I am more than happy with. For the last 3-4 tank fulls, I have been using BP Ultimate. That has made a big difference to the overall performance of the car.

Previously, I have always used supermarket fuel, but never again. My current consumption is about 33mpg, that is including a mixture of motorways to and from work, and mixed weekend driving.

The service dealer has been faultless, a courtesy car being proved, and the first service was a few pounds cheaper than their estimate. The only negative point regarding the car is the tyre noise. Being fitted with 205/50 R17, they are a little firmer than the normal.

But, I bought the car knowing of this, after a very satisfactory one hour, unaccompanied test drive. I would definitely, recommend this car.